Page:"Round the world." - Letters from Japan, China, India, and Egypt (IA roundworldletter00fogg 0).pdf/39

 is where the shoe pinches, thought I. In answer to my enquiry whether Utah as a State would be Republican or Democratic, he said, “that depends upon which party does us justice.” He spoke of the wonderful prosperity of his people, driven into the wilderness with nothing but their strong arms, they had in little more than twenty years converted a Sahara-like desert into well cultivated farms, producing larger crops to the acre than any eastern state. Neither Utah nor Salt Lake City owed any public debt. He referred to the “Cullom bill,” passed at the last session, making polygamy a crime, and providing for the appointment of jurors who shall all be “Gentiles.” I ventured to inquire whether he thought that law could be enforced. But he was too shrewd to be caught, and was non-committal on that point. I complimented him on being the heart and brains of his community, and thathat [sic] to his good management they were indebted for their wonderful prosperity, and asked if, in the course of nature, he should be taken away, could any other man carry his people forward as he had done. He replied with energy, “We are God’s chosen people; I am his servant; He will never permit me to be removed until in His own good time He has provided another to take my place.”

After spending an hour I rose to leave and apologized for having occupied so much of his time while others were waiting to see him. He walked with me to the door of the outer office, shook my hand warmly at parting and wished me a pleasant journey and a safe return. He said, “Come and see us again after you have been round the world.”

As I walked down the street, I glanced at the buildings inside the wall which contained the prophet’s harem, and thought, this is all fair on the outside, but within is rottenness and corruption. Is Brigham a sincere and honest enthusiast, or a corrupt and sensuous knave? His cold gray eyes and calm, unimpassioned manner do not indicate the fanatic; nor do the lines about his mouth, or his face generally seem that of a gross sensualist. I can understand now why he is so popular, or rather so worshipped among his followers, He can read human nature and can adapt himself to and make a favorable impression upon any one with whom he comes in contact.

I stepped into a store to buy some stereoscopic views, and picking up one of